Due to the feeling of numbness, or the inability to feel pain, patients with diabetes can be completely unaware that an injury or blister has occurred on one of their feet or ankles. Untreated, these seemingly minor injuries or scratches can become infected, leading to an ulcerating wound that becomes a particularly bad infection and can even lead to the amputation of an entire foot.
So take care of your feet to avoid these possible complications.
Your foot care regimen should include the following:
- Proper shoes—Ask your foot doctor about diabetic footwear and orthotic inserts that can take a lot of the stress off your feet and prevent pain.
- Check your feet—This is possibly the most important thing you can do every day for the health of your feet. If you have difficulty checking your own feet, use a mirror to inspect the bottom and between the toes. Have someone help you to look for blisters, cuts, ulcers, swelling and redness.
- Keep them clean and dry—Wash your feet well every day and dry them carefully. Try to be especially careful drying between the toes to help avoid fungal and bacterial infections.
- Be careful when cutting toenails—Always be careful when cutting your toenails or treating corns and calluses to avoid any cuts. Your podiatrist is best qualified to carefully perform these tasks to avoid any accidents.
- Stop smoking—Smoking causes your blood vessels to constrict and your lungs to decrease in aeration ability, contributing to foot numbness.
If you are experiencing foot problems complicated with a diabetes diagnosis, your foot doctor is here to help. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX, is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.